This Saturday marks the anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide.  There has been much progress in the past 18 years but Rwanda is still healing from the 100 days of violence that devastated the country in 1994.

This 18 year road of recovery is marked by several outstanding beacons like Frist Lady Jeannette Kagame, who is an anchor in this process.  She is internationally recognized for her efforts to rebuild Rwanda.

Same Sky works closely with Mrs. Kagame through the AVEGA collective, which is funded by her foundation, Imbuto.  The Imbuto Foundation is dedicated to uplifting the vulnerable populations of Rwanda through education, health, hope and empowerment.

Imbuto is a product of Protection and Care of Families against HIV/AIDS (PACFA).  PACFA, established in 2001, grew to include activities that were not exclusive to HIV/AIDS but embodied the overall growth of Rwanda.  In 2007 it changed its name and evolved into Imbuto.

Many of Imbuto’s activities are still HIV/AIDS focused.  The Family Package Project and Mother 2 Mother program provides support to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and they continue to publish and distribute HIV/AIDS handbooks.

However, efforts are extended to other vulnerable factions of society.  The Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Project trains 120 women between 15 and 24 years old for employment opportunities.

Imbuto has become famous for their Malayika Murinzi (Guardian Angel) Campaign.  Developed to encourage individuals to take in and care for children, even if they are not their own.  This accounts for children that may have lost parents to HIV/AIDS or other injuries as a result of genocide.  Each year the Malayika Murinsi Campaign awards stand-out guardians with a prize of a cow for outstanding caretaking.

Imbuto translates to ‘seed’ reflecting the foundations efforts to rebuild and develop Rwanda.  The idea, according to the Imbuto Foundation is “A seed well planted, watered, nurtured and given all the necessary support successfully grows into a healthy plant – one that reaches high and stands tall.”

Same Sky feels lucky to work with such an incredible foundation and to be a small part of that growing plant.  To show our appreciation to Imbuto and solidarity with Rwanda we will donate 10% of all sales made Saturday, April 7 to the Imbuto Foundation.

We invite you to join this cause and to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter.

-Tania Prizio